All-New Mazda MX-5 Wins Both 2016 World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year

All-New Mazda MX-5 Wins Both 2016 World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year.

The first car to win both titles in the history of the awards

MX-5 has won over 30 awards, including 2015-2016 Car of the Year Japan and 2016 UK Car of the Year (UKCOTY)

The fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 has been named both the 2016 World Car of the Year (WCOTY) and the World Car Design of the Year. It is the second Mazda to win the WCOTY award, following the Mazda2 in 2008, and the first model to win both titles in the history of the awards.

World Car of the Year was established in 2004 by an international group of automotive journalists, and the judging panel this year consisted of 73 journalists from 23 different countries. The MX-5 was announced victorious over other finalists the Audi A4 Sedan/Avant and the Mercedes-Benz GLC, at the New York International Auto Show on March 24th. The other finalists for World Car Design of the Year were the Jaguar XE and the Mazda CX-3.

“What a wonderful honour, to have the Mazda MX-5 named both World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year,” said Masahiro Moro, President and CEO, Mazda North American Operations, and Managing Executive Officer, Mazda Motor Corporation. “As our iconic MX-5 roadster approaches one-million units of production, this award is proof that it is as young, vibrant, fun and relevant as ever, and proof that every Mazda looks as incredible as it drives, and drives as incredibly as it looks."

"While I accept this award on behalf of the company, I do so representing every Mazda employee, retail partner and customer around the world who has ever felt the joy of driving a pure roadster.”

Ikuo Maeda, Mazda’s Executive Officer and General Manager of the Design Division, said, “I’m very proud to accept this award, proof that our designs can connect with people all around the world. Our new-generation lineup has been designed under the KODO-Soul of Motion design philosophy which aims to bring cars to life, and we’ve continually refined the beauty of its forms. Mazda is a proud Japanese brand and, moving forward, we are determined to continue enhancing our designs.”

The fourth-generation MX-5 is the sixth model in Mazda’s new-generation line-up of vehicles featuring the full range of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and KODO—Soul of Motion design. Launched globally in 2015, the model has found favour with customers thanks to its vastly reduced curb weight, human-centered design and 'Jinba-ittai' fun-to-drive feel.

The new MX-5 has won over 30 awards so far, including 2015-2016 Car of the Year Japan and 2016 UK Car of the Year (UKCOTY). The retractable hardtop version of the model, Mazda MX-5 RF, makes its world debut at the 2016 New York International Auto Show.

Mazda will continue making cars that are fun to drive, aiming to become a 'one-and-only' brand which customers will choose again and again.

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